I must first emphasize that I don't usually build a kit in the order laid out in the instructions.
Bad me!
In my rocket-building world, instructions generally get used only as a general reference for parts placement, specific assembly procedures, and dimensions.
I don't recommend this method for beginning rocketeers, though.
That said, I am starting off with prepping the fins.
After removing the fin sections from the laser-cut sheet, the first step is to sand off the small attachment tabs, and square up the root edges as well as the edges of the two sections that will later be glued together to form the complete fins.
For this step, I use a medium grit sanding block registered vertically against the factory edge of a 1/2" plywood board. This assures that the block will be held perfectly square to the board surface. A piece of finished plate glass is placed atop the plywood to provide a smooth bearing surface on which to slide the fin sections while holding the edge against the sanding block.
I have a propensity for making jigs and fixtures for building stuff, stemming from my many years doing woodworking.
The accompanying photo doesn't show it, but I'm using a 2x6 LEGO block to hold and press the sanding block against the plywood edge.
Gotta love LEGO!
This method makes for a very efficient way to achieve straight, square edges on the fins.
For cleaning up the curved edges of the fins, and the edge that will be later glued to the fin pods, I use a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a dowel.
Finally, all of the fin sections get a good surface sanding with some 400 grit.
The pieces are now ready to receive some structural 'Steampunk' embellishments, after which they will be glued together to form the complete fins.
